How to Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) Step by Step
Posted on 19th Jun 2023 14:20:39 in General
A statement of purpose has four main parts which include an introduction, background information, achievements and experiences and future goals/aspirations. It should also end with a conclusion. In this article, I will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a good statement of purpose that will increase your chances of landing into that program or job position you aspire.
2 Key Points Before Writing a Statement of Purpose (SOP)
It is important to understand why you are writing this statement of purpose before you start pressing the keypads. It should be an essay that explains why you are interested in the program/job position, why you think you are suited for it and how it aligns with your academic/career goals.
This is a very important step. You should conduct a thorough research and gain as much information as possible about the job position or program that you want to apply. For example, if it is a graduate academic program, you should be familiar with the curriculum, requirements, objectives, etc.
7 Steps When Writing a SOP
These 7 steps will cover all the four main parts of a SOP discussed earlier. They include:
Introduce yourself but do not make it look like an autobiography. It should be short and to the point. Talk about your interests and motivations. This also the part where you capture the reader’s attention. Use a strong statement that shows your passion. You can use something like a personal anecdote.
Explain your academic and professional background. Highlight all the relevant experiences and accomplishments. Explain to the reader how these academic experiences sparked an interest in that particular field and how they make you a strong candidate for the position.
Discuss all the relevant experiences and achievements and how they influenced your decision to that particular position/field. These includes any internships, research projects or extracurricular activities if you are applying for an academic program. It is also advisable to include the knowledge, skills and lessons learnt from these experiences that are relevant to the position.
You should have future goals, both short-term and long-term. If you do not, well, you should have created them before writing a statement of purpose. In this step, explain how that job position or academic program aligns with these goals. This shows the reader that the position will contribute to your professional growth.
This is the part where you showcase your understanding of the position/program. Explain aspects of the position/program that attract you. Explain how the program’s curriculum, resources or the position’s responsibilities align with your interests and aspirations.
The conclusion summarizes the whole statement. Make sure to reiterate your enthusiasm, commitment and interest in the field and the position/program. Finally, just like the introduction had a strong opening statement that captured the interest of the reader, you should end with a powerful closing statement that will sure leave a long lasting impression.
The final step is to proofread your work. Ensure it is clear, free of grammatical errors and is coherent. You might consider seeking feedback from people you trust such as your mentors. You can use their insights to improve your statement.
As we have seen above, a statement of purpose shows how you are suited for a particular position or program. This can be deduced from your interests, experiences, achievements and goals all which you discuss in the statement. It is therefore important to highlight your qualifications and show your potential for growth. In addition, the statement should be concise and well-structured. When you observe everything discussed above, you increase your chances of success. A statement of purpose is a powerful document that can influence decision-making.